Life in Belfast as represented on its walls – Murals, Graffiti, Street Art

Every day, men would line up in schooling pens on the various docks of the port of Belfast to be hired by foremen. As mentioned on the left-hand side of the board above (recently erected on the New Lodge side of the Duncairn “peace” line) the rise of the shipping containerin the 1970s spelled the end of the docker: “from 3000 listed dockers in 1970, the number had fallen to 280 by 1985.” Author and poet John Campbell recalls his first day on the docks in 1952, unloading cement, in this NVTv video.

text: X02664 X02665 X02666 it was a physically demanding job hours long conditions tough availability of work was not constant port of belfast able to grow transportation goods containers led to a revolution in working practices decreased dramatically 3000 in 1970 the number fallen to 280 by 1985 lay the human story of vast social changes in the harbour area as well as the gradual dissapearance disappearance of an entire community who earned living from sea and also through the loading unloading of ships families lived in sailortown spanned both traditions red button blue common allegiance both communities backbreaking educated about life integrity discipline standing up for rights pride in our identity working men working environment was repressive and hazardous with large numbers experiencing industrial injuries others lost their lives or were badly injured in horrific accidents at work many suffered chronic long term illnesses others died prematurely having contracted asbestosis politically aware formation of the trade unions and social reform irish transport and general workers union ITGWU organised by jim larkin 1909 and james connolly 1910-11 celebrated its centenary in 2009 OBU one big union Lepper Street

Have you spotted a mural or piece of graffiti? Please send tips (and photos) to extramuralactivity@gmail.com or tag us on Twitter

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Some of the most familiar murals are listed together just below 'For Beginners'.

Completists should check out the Extramural Activity map of murals, graffiti (both those featured on the blog and others) plus "peace" lines and re-drawn estates of the past.